Romanian charity leader Viorel Pașca detained in DIICOT probe of illegal care homes in Bihor

DIICOT and Romanian police carried out a large‑scale operation in Bihor, executing 27 search warrants and detaining Viorel Pașca – head of the association “Dumbrava – Dumnezeu Poartă de Grijă” – together with his wife, three sons and several close collaborators. Prosecutors allege that Pașca ran a network of illegal care homes that pretended to provide humanitarian aid while exploiting vulnerable adults with disabilities. Victims were allegedly recruited from hospitals and social‑service institutions, kept in inhumane conditions, deprived of proper medical care and gradually placed under financial control. Over 400 deaths were discovered, with a clandestine burial site containing more than 400 bodies. The investigation uncovered a financial loss of more than 13 million lei obtained from pensions, disability benefits, donations and burial assistance. Authorities mobilised over 150 ambulances, mobile hospitals and specialized units to evacuate about 409 people; roughly 50 required immediate hospital treatment. Searches also revealed large sums of cash and foreign currency, 217 bank cards belonging to the victims, a room used as a makeshift pharmacy, and extensive documentation of admissions, discharges and deaths. Pașca denies the accusations, claiming innocence and asserting that he reported the situation to state authorities years ago.

The case, first reported in local media as early as 2008, has drawn national attention for the scale of alleged organized‑crime activity, the tragic loss of life, and the exploitation of Romania’s most vulnerable citizens.